Southampton fans have become accustom to seeing their top players and managers leave for pastures new year-on-year. However, one man that, at the start of the season, they would not have envisaged being poached this summer is Oriol Romeu.

The former Chelsea man has been the standout performer for the Saints this season, along with defender Virgil van Dijk, and has more than capably plugged the hole left by the now-Tottenham man, Victor Wanyama, whose departure last summer looked as if it would hurt the south coast side more than any other.

The Spaniard has taken everything in his stride and been a mainstay for Claude Puel in his first season as a Premier League manager.

However, the imposing defensive midfielder is now being linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent the early years of his youth career in the famed La Masia academy before moving to west London.

According to reports from The Express, the Catalan club are looking into bringing their graduate back to La Liga as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

The Saints seem to recover time and again from losing key men, however, Romeu seems one that, at this time, they simply cannot afford to lose, and here’s why…

Base

In recent weeks the Saints seem to have found their formula. A return to the 4-2-3-1 system, which has enabled them to finish in the top eight over the last three seasons, has seen ten goals scored in their last three outings, all away from home, after a season of trouble in front of goal.

The base for all their attacking antics is Romeu. The Spaniard has made one defensive mistake all season, according to Squawka, and ranks second in terms of tackles and interceptions amongst Premier League midfielders.

Furthermore, he has made 44 more interceptions than any of his Southampton midfield colleagues, and three more than defender Virgil van Dijk, although he has played four more games than the Dutchman.

It is clear, then, that losing the former Barca youngster to his old club could really throw Claude Puel’s new found free-flowing system out the window.

Future

The Saints have impressed all onlookers since their return to the Premier League five years ago, with a constant succession of canny additions both on the pitch and in the dugout.

They have succeeded time and again in regenerating a dilapidated squad, however, there must come a time when they come unstuck.

Having tasted a European campaign this season, fans will be keen for those fixtures to become more of a regularity. In order to meet raised expectations, the powers that be at St. Mary’s must look to hold onto key men and build for the future.

Successor

Comparing the club’s situation to that when they lost their Kenyan midfielder to Tottenham last summer, there is simply no Romeu to their Wanyama this time around.

It is true that no one expected the Spaniard to be this good under Puel this term, however, it was clear that he would be the one to fill in for the former Celtic man.

However, this time around there is no natural successor. A couple of seasons ago there may have been an argument for Harrison Reed to take up the role, although his progression has stunted somewhat over the last few seasons, meaning he would not fit the shoe, or boot.